We know that the last thing anyone needs now is paranoid prepping and doom-laden warnings. That’s why a group of rebels from all over the world came together to create a different kind of guide. We noticed a lot of government materials that encouraged emergency preparedness, but then left out most of the details about what that actually means. And we saw lots of prepper websites that assumed whatever happens, you’ll be alone in your private bunker eating canned peaches. Neither of these scenarios is very helpful for most people (if you have a bunker, this isn’t for you).
Of course we’re also worried about living through the climate crisis and the other emergency situations that may arise from it, but we see this as a time to get ready by building community now —for before the crisis and for after the crisis, when we want to rebuild differently and so much better.
With these goals, we created a manual that is practical and aims to help people actually prepare for whatever might be coming by including simple, actionable and adaptable checklists that individuals, families and groups can use to be more prepared every day. We hope we will never need our Go Bag or our Stay Shelf but we know that around the world, most of the climate disasters that are already happening have taken place with very little warning. For so many people, there hasn’t been time to get a Go Bag ready. That’s why you need to have it there by the door now, just in case. We have included five checklists: Emergency Plan, Go Bag, Stay Shelf, Car Kit and First Aid Kit.
In addition to getting physical items ready, one of the key aspects of XReadiness is starting a conversation. Sitting down with your family, your friends, your neighbours and working out what you would do in the event of a possible situation, like a flood or a prolonged power failure. How would you communicate without cell phones? Do you have a meeting point? You may be surprised by how many people have been worrying about these things alone. We want to talk about them together and make plans that include everyone, especially those who are more vulnerable.
But the ethos of this guide is not just to push you into preparedness, but to encourage you to turn towards those around you. We have the opportunity to teach and learn from each other, and thus become stronger, more resilient communities. The heart of XReadiness is the commitment to learning skills that take time and creating real community with those around you. Modern urban life has allowed many of us to skip mastering things like cooking from scratch, first aid, sewing, using a compass or growing our own food. But we still have time to learn these things and to share the knowledge we already have. This might mean taking a CPR course or asking your local municipality to set up a community garden. Maybe it’s learning how to grow cherry tomatoes in a windowbox. Maybe it’s starting to knit with your grandmother. Or teaching your nephew how to use a compass and read a map. No one individual will have all these skills which is one more reason why we need to work together.
Many of us live in anonymous cities. But being ready takes a village.That might mean introducing yourself to your neighbours for the first time. Or participating in a local association. Or joining your nearest XR group. It might mean getting outside and finding the green spaces in your neighbourhood. Or volunteering at your local library. Creating community isn’t a linear path but it is always worth it.
We hope you never experience a serious climate emergency, but we hope you will create the community to see you through one. Action is where readiness begins.
About the Rebellion
Extinction Rebellion is a decentralised, international and politically non-partisan movement using non-violent direct action and civil disobedience to persuade governments to act justly on the Climate and Ecological Emergency.
Our movement is made up of people from all walks of life, contributing in different ways with the time and energy they can spare. Chances are, we have a local branch very close to you, and we would love to hear from you.
Great Job Extinction Rebellion & the Team @ Ecological & Climate Change News | Extinction Rebellion Source link for sharing this story.
